Post-Cataract Surgery: Eye Pressure Tests and Vision Changes

Q: Post-Cataract Surgery: Eye Pressure Tests and Vision Changes

Hello Fred： 1. <br>Yes, the airflow is minimal, and the day after the surgery, intraocular pressure checks can be performed to prevent the patient from having elevated pressure that may go unnoticed. <br>2. <br>Yes, because regular filters appear blue-white, while yellow filters

Intraocular pressure testing after cataract surgery?

Hello Dr.
Ke: My father (75 years old) recently underwent cataract surgery.
Postoperatively, his color perception and vision were normal, and he followed the doctor's advice to protect his eyes.
However, during his follow-up appointment on the fifth day after surgery, the nurse performed an intraocular pressure test.
After the test, he began to experience symptoms of floaters and noticed color distortion (for example, skin tones appeared light purple or taro-colored).
Sometimes, he also has difficulty reading subtitles on the television, which have become blurry (initially, his vision was very clear after the surgery).
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it safe to perform an intraocular pressure test after cataract surgery? (Specifically, the method that uses a puff of air directed at the surface of the eye.) I remember the doctor mentioned that he should protect his eyes from wind and dust after surgery, but is it okay to measure eye pressure using air puff? 2.
Can color distortion occur after cataract surgery? 3.
Why was his vision initially very clear after surgery, but then became blurry? Thank you for your time and response, doctor.

Fred, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/07/19

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology

Hello Fred: 1.
Yes, the airflow is minimal, and the day after the surgery, intraocular pressure checks can be performed to prevent the patient from having elevated pressure that may go unnoticed.
2.
Yes, because regular filters appear blue-white, while yellow filters are closer to natural color.
3.
Further examination is required; I have not seen the patient yet, so I am unaware of the cause.

Reply Date: 2010/07/19

More Info

Post-cataract surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in vision and eye pressure. Your father's situation raises several important points that warrant discussion.

1. Can eye pressure tests be performed after cataract surgery?
Yes, eye pressure tests can be performed after cataract surgery, and it is generally safe to do so. The air puff test, which uses a small burst of air to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), is non-invasive and typically does not pose a risk to the eye, even shortly after surgery. In fact, monitoring eye pressure is crucial post-surgery to ensure that there are no complications such as elevated IOP, which can lead to glaucoma. Your father's doctor likely advised him to protect his eyes from dust and wind to prevent irritation or injury, but this does not preclude the need for regular eye pressure checks.

2. Is color distortion a possible outcome after cataract surgery?
Yes, it is possible for patients to experience color distortion after cataract surgery. This can be attributed to several factors, including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, the healing process, and the brain's adjustment to the new visual input. Cataracts often cause a yellowing of vision, and once they are removed, the brain may take some time to adapt to the new, clearer colors. Additionally, if there are any residual issues such as swelling or inflammation in the eye, these can also affect color perception. If your father is experiencing significant color changes, it is advisable to follow up with his ophthalmologist to rule out any complications.

3. Why might vision become blurry after initially being clear?
There are several reasons why vision may become blurry after cataract surgery, even if it was clear initially. One common cause is the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which occurs when the thin membrane that holds the IOL in place becomes cloudy. This can happen weeks, months, or even years after surgery and can lead to blurred vision. Other potential causes include inflammation, fluid accumulation, or even changes in the cornea. It is essential for your father to return to his eye doctor for a thorough examination to determine the cause of the blurriness and to discuss potential treatments.

In summary, while it is normal to have some fluctuations in vision and eye pressure after cataract surgery, any significant changes, such as the onset of floaters, color distortion, or blurred vision, should be evaluated by an eye care professional. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process and to address any complications that may arise. Your father's experience is not uncommon, and with appropriate care, many patients achieve excellent visual outcomes after cataract surgery.

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